Dr. Bill Rosehart, a triple Waterloo Engineering alum (BASc ’96, MASc ’97 and PhD ’01, electrical and computer engineering) has been appointed the University of Waterloo’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor.
Dr. Rosehart is the first Waterloo alum to serve as the University’s President. His five-year term begins July 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Vivek Goel.
He brings more than two decades of senior leadership at major Canadian research universities, most recently as Provost and Vice-President, Academic at the University of Guelph, and previously as Dean of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.
His appointment reflects a deep alignment between his leadership philosophy and Waterloo's founding values. Throughout his career, Dr. Rosehart has championed experiential learning, entrepreneurship and research-driven education.
"Waterloo was founded on a bold idea: that integrating academics with real-world experience could redefine higher education and strengthen society," said Dr. Rosehart. "That spirit of unconventional thinking remains its greatest strength, and I am excited to return to help build on that foundation."
His selection followed a comprehensive search process involving broad consultation with faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Board of Governors Chair Murray Gamble noted that Dr. Rosehart's "genuine, people-centred approach to leadership and his clear understanding of what makes a comprehensive university thrive" set him apart — and that as a three-time Waterloo graduate, he understands the institution's ethos from the inside.
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